The sponsors of the 2007 Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Evening Gala in Los Angeles will be prosecuted by American audience for breach of contract, deceptive advertising and other accusations.

Chinese comic star Zhao Benshan, who performed at the gala, is also named in the lawsuit.

American TV station KSCI reported the show, which opened on February 24, had sold an excess amount of tickets beyond the theater's capacity. In addition, the event sponsor had sent out too many corporate tickets. Consequently, hundreds of audience members who bought tickets were unable to be seated.

However, the sponsor refused to refund the tickets of audience members who refused to stand to watch the show. The chaos led the show to be postponed by 80 minutes.

The lawyer representing the audience said he had already delivered a petition to the superior court of Pasadena in Los Angeles County, calling for compensation from Zhao Benshan, Benshan Media Group, Liu Zhigang and US Edward Cooperation for over one million yuan.

The lawyer said according to law, Zhao Benshan or his attorney should respond to the accusation within 30 days. He hopes Zhao Benshan will take the opportunity to solve the dispute.

An insider said Zhao Benshan's performance in US was excellent and earnest and recognized by the audience. However, the shoddy operation with regards to tickets sales has damaged Zhao Benshan's good image and the splendid performance.

(CRI.cn March 10, 2007)